Opportunities to Build God's Kingdom in Southeast Asia

Opportunities to Build God’s Kingdom in Southeast Asia FINISHING THE TASK of Matthew 24:14 in

SOUTHEAST ASIA Dear Brothers and Sisters, It is no accident that the Lord has connected you with Christian Aid Mission. I believe He wants to use you, in a strategic way, to advance His Kingdom on the earth. We are living in the most fruitful time in the history of missions—where every seed sown produces a massive harvest. We are seeing the gospel advance, unstoppable, through the nations. In 1976, there were an estimated 17,000 unreached people groups. Today, there are just 6,600 people groups without a witness for Christ The vast majority of these people groups have been reached by native missionaries, sharing the gospel in their own nations. Since 1953, Christian Aid Mission has supported native missionaries in countries of great poverty, where Christians are a persecuted minority, and where foreign missionaries are not allowed. We support native missionaries with the goal of establishing a witness for Christ in every nation, in accordance with Matthew 24:14:

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

From our headquarters in Charlottesville, Virginia, we assist more than 500 independent, indigenous ministries overseas that have tens of thousands of native missionaries on the field. These ministries are engaging 1,000 unreached people groups in more than 100 countries throughout the world. We want to connect you with ways you can impact the world for Christ through native missionaries around the globe. I encourage you to look through this catalog of indigenous ministries that we assist in Southeast Asia, and prayerfully consider partnering with Christian Aid Mission to reach the world’s last remaining unreached people groups.

Until there is a Witness for Christ in Every Nation,

Cynthia Finley President

1 Table of Contents

Vietnam ...... 3 Project 1 ...... 4–7 Project 2 ...... 8–9

Indonesia ...... 11 Project 3 ...... 12–14 Project 4 ...... 15–16 Project 5 ...... 17–20

Philippines ...... 21 Project 6 ...... 22–24

Myanmar ...... 25 Project 7 ...... 26–28 Support a Native Missionary ...... 29 VIETNAM

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam borders the South China Sea, Cambodia, Laos, and China. Mountains and tropical forests cover nearly all but 20 percent of the country’s landmass. The Vietnamese majority, who mainly live in the country’s major cities, comprise approximately 85 percent of the population. The rest of the population is made up of 54 ethnic minorities who live in the Central Highlands in the northern part of the country. Christianity has taken root and continues to grow among these ethnic minorities, who face increasing persecution from government authorities. Though Vietnam ostensibly allows its citizens to freely worship in major cities, the government retains tight control over all registered churches. According to The World Factbook, more than 80% of Vietnam’s population identifies as having no religion. The Vietnamese majority remains a stronghold of communist ideology and atheism. Meanwhile, multitudes of ethnic minorities are hearing and accepting the gospel of Christ in the Central Highlands. The Communist Party, which maintains authority over all state policy and activity, has ordered government officials to closely monitor and crack down on the unregistered house churches that continually form and grow in the Highlands region. According to a Human Rights Watch report, “Highland people accused of religious ‘evil ways’ and politically ‘autonomous thoughts’ have been subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and mistreatment in custody.” Along with 66 pastors behind bars, another 42 remain in prison, even though they completed their 15-year sentences. Their family members are legally allowed to visit them once a month, but most can only afford to visit once per year. Prisoners are kept far from their homes in harsh, primitive conditions. Officials have ordered unregistered churches to pay steep fines, and are working to consolidate them into officially registered, government-monitored churches. A cluster of house churches with a combined membership of 3,000, for example, was ordered to merge congregations and meet in a facility holding no more than 500. In Gia Lai Province, on the Cambodian border, authorities forced 12,000 Christians in 20 unregistered churches to combine at a single facility accommodating 1,600 people. Registered churches are prohibited from meeting in smaller groups: no Sunday school classes for children or adults, no youth groups or other gatherings apart from the congregational worship as a whole. Children can only be taught about Christianity at home. Taking Communion and collecting offerings are forbidden, police monitor sermons to ensure nothing is said against communism, and plural leadership is prohibited; only one leader is allowed for each congregation. Project 1 TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE UNDERGROUND CHURCH IN VIETNAM

Ministry: Vietnamese Evangelical Churches

Vietnamese Evangelical Churches (VEC) finds gospel workers, especially those working among unreached tribes, to provide them with support and training. The ministry has contact with more than 120 workers sharing the gospel among various tribal groups. Believers in these people groups now number more than 200,000. Some workers are translating the Bible and hymn books into tribal dialects. The ministry leader, who oversees the work of 40 church-planting pastors and 12 training centers with 50 teachers at each center, spent seven years and two months in prison between 1975 and 1985 for his evangelistic work. The ministry has reached out to 10 of the 22 tribes with no strong Christian presence in the Central Highlands. VEC brings up to 10 new Christians at a time from various villages to its urban base for training several times per year, and then sends them back to their communities to spread the gospel. In its efforts to proclaim Christ to unreached tribes, the ministry also arranges for converts from one tribe to reach out to a nearby tribe.

4 Need: Training Program for the Underground Church

Native missionaries with VEC have led thousands of traditional Christian education, and it allows local people from the Central Highlands to the Lord. As the ministry leaders to remain at home and continue their number of new believers continues to increase, so does outreaches while receiving critical teaching and training. the need for discipleship and leadership training. TEE is a two-level program. Completion of Level 1 Through the work of VEC, more than 3,000 house requires students to work through six textbooks, which churches exist throughout the Central Highlands. These focus on the life of Christ, during a two-year period. house churches are in desperate need of trained pastors to lead them. Every week the students meet together at one of the 12 TEE centers throughout Vietnam to discuss the material. The ministry seeks to provide affordable, accessible Students are required to complete each book in a three- training for native pastors and church planters month period, and take an exam on that book at one of throughout Vietnam. the centers.

To train these ministry leaders, VEC has been using the After completing all six books, students receive a Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program, certificate from Alliance Evangelical Divinity School, which allows students in rural areas to receive training which equips them for more effective ministry work. that does not require them to move from their villages. Through support from Christian Aid Mission, VEC printed Nearly 8,000 people are currently studying through 6,000 sets of Level 1 textbooks for ethnic minority one of 12 TEE centers in Vietnam. Each center is staffed students. with 50 teachers. In addition to Vietnamese, the TEE curriculum has also been translated into the Hmong and However, these students are now in need of Level 2 Yao tribal languages. textbooks to advance in their studies and have the option to enroll in a Bible school or seminary to become TEE has been a key strategy for developing Christian church leaders and planters. leaders in many countries. It is far less expensive than

5 Project Description: Advanced Level Textbooks

Many students make the decision to advance to Level 2 in the TEE program, which consists of three additional textbooks focusing on more specific topics in church life and history. Completion of Level 2 earns students a diploma from the Alliance Evangelical Divinity School. Students who complete both levels of the TEE program can enroll in a Bible school or seminary. In Vietnam, the TEE program is a prerequisite for acceptance into a Bible school. VEC requests funding to supplement the cost of 3,000 sets of Level 2 textbooks for students who have completed Level 1. Students will provide a portion of the printing costs.

Project Implementation Project implementation is simple and straightforward. VEC will have 3,000 sets of Level 2 textbooks printed at a supplemented cost of $1.50 per book ($4.50 per set). These will be immediately distributed to students through the 12 TEE training centers.

6 People Groups Affected Church leaders from the following ethnic groups will receive Level 2 textbooks to advance their knowledge and understanding of the Bible:

1. Southern Vietnam: • Ra-De • Je-Rai • M’Nong • Ko-Ho • Khmer • Ka-Tu • Bru • Stieng • Bahnar • Chrau

2. Northern Vietnam, including Central Highlands: • Hmong • Yao • San Chi • Pa-Then

3. Vietnamese majority in major cities and towns

Since 1996, VEC has trained more than 6,000 people through the TEE program. Of these 6,000, more than 1,000 are ordained pastors who have planted churches among the Hmong, Yao, San Chi, and Pa-Then tribal groups. VEC is training Hmong and Yao workers and sending them in pairs to the following four people groups: • Kho-Mu (VEC workers have led 47 to Christ) • Tho (VEC workers have led nine to Christ) • Nung (VEC workers have led 65 to Christ)

• Lo-Lo (VEC workers have led three to Christ)

Expected Impact By equipping Level 1 students to complete Level 2 training and become more effective ministers of the gospel, VEC estimates that 12 unreached people groups will be reached in the next 10 years.

Budget

Item Description Cost per Set Number Needed Total Set of three Level 2 TEE textbooks $4.50 3,000 $13,500 Grant Management $1,350 Total $14,850

7 Project 2 A WITNESS FOR CHRIST AMONG THE TAI LUE PEOPLE IN VIETNAM

Ministry: Vietnamese Evangelical Churches

8 Need: A Witness for Christ among the Tai Lue People in Vietnam Controlled by fear and superstition, the Tai Lue people The Tai Lue are also oppressed by ancestral worship and practice a mix of Buddhism and animism, and have no witchcraft. Inside of a typical bamboo-and-thatch Tai Lue knowledge of Jesus Christ. home, is a shrine to their ancestors. The chiefs who head each village use witchcraft to control them. Practicing a mix of Theravada Buddhism and animism, the Tai Lue believe in reincarnation and have been VEC estimates that there are approximately 7,000 Tai taught that even inanimate objects have souls. Lue people who live in Vietnam, and they are entirely Controlled by fear, they are constantly trying to appease unreached with the gospel. The ministry seeks to various gods and spirits, wary of being reborn as a lesser establish a witness for Christ among this ethnic group. life form.

Project Description: Send Two Missionaries to the Tai Lue People Two VEC workers from the Hmong tribe went to high school with and have many friends among the Tai Lue community in Lau Chau Province, where they have been sharing the gospel. VEC would like to send these two workers to five Tai Lue villages of approximately 350 families, to establish relationships and begin sharing the gospel.

Project Implementation The VEC workers will stay with their Tai Lue friends twice per month to share the gospel with them. The initial visits will be for one to two nights in the homes of their Tai Lue friends. Once their friends receive the Lord as Savior, they will increase the length of their visits to share the gospel with their friends’ family members and friends. As part of their long-term goal to establish a witness for Christ among every Tai Lue village in Vietnam, the ministry is also planning to send the anticipated Tai Lue believers through their Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program. VEC also requests 50 Bibles in the Tai Lue language.

People Groups Affected • Tai Lue

Expected Impact A witness for Christ established among the Tai Lue people of Vietnam, beginning with a house church and training for two new Tai Lue believers through the TEE program.

Budget

Item Description Cost per Unit Number Needed Total Living expenses for two missionaries $400 12 $4,800 Transportation for missionaries $100 12 $1,200 Tai Lue Bibles $5 50 $250 TEE training for two Tai Lue believers $200 Grant Management $645 Total $7,095 9 10 INDONESIA

Earning the honor of Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia is also the world’s largest country comprised only of islands. A vast archipelago between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Indonesia is made up of 13,466 islands—922 of which are permanently inhabited. The majority of the islands are coastal lowlands, though the largest islands—Java, Sumatra, Borneo, New Guinea, and Sulawesi—have some interior mountains. Indonesia is the most heavily forested region on earth after the Amazon. Indonesia’s incredible diversity comes from its 300 distinct native ethnic groups. Though Indonesian is the country’s official language, most citizens speak other languages. More than 700 languages are used in Indonesia. With the fourth largest population on earth, the country is the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world. More than 87 percent of the population is Muslim, with the majority being Sunni Muslim. An aggressive mosque-building program, fueled by petrol dollars, is part of the Islamic vision of an Indonesia free from Christians. Believers face high levels of persecution from radical Muslims, who are pushing Sharia-inspired laws in more and more communities. Christianity has sustained continued growth throughout the past 50 years, especially among animist people, but nearly 100 million people remain unreached. Animist tribal groups, who practice witchcraft, are much more open to the gospel than the Muslim majority. The government does not recognize their “religion,” because it does not fall into one of the six mandated religions from which all citizens are required to choose: • Islam • Hinduism • Buddhism • Confucianism • Catholicism • Protestantism This mandate has caused many animists to consider the claims of the gospel. In contrast, Muslim extremism has repelled many of them away from Islam. Among Indonesia’s Christian population is a strong need for biblical leadership and teaching. Many indigenous churches have no discipleship program. Biblical illiteracy is an enormous problem, which has allowed syncretism into the Church. Fledging believers continue to practice elements of witchcraft and other anti-biblical tribal customs. The availability of Scripture and gospel teaching in the heart languages of Indonesia’s tribal population will greatly benefit the growth and maturity of the Church.

11 Project 3 MICROENTERPRISE TRAINING FOR 20 CHURCH PLANTERS

Ministry: Yesus Kristus Indonesia

Since 1988, Yesus Kristus Indonesia (YKI) has trained and equipped believers from all over Indonesia and sent them back to their home communities to plant churches. The leader uses Bali as a base because it is Hindu and protected from radical Muslims, though many of the church planters will be reaching Muslims. YKI has planted more than 20 churches in Bali, using microenterprise projects as a key evangelistic strategy. Small business projects have also enabled the ministry to plant a church in the western province of Sumatra, where Muslims make up 87 percent of the population, as well as four churches on the 73-percent Muslim island of Borneo. More than 1,000 people have been reached with the gospel through small businesses that provide income for local pastors and church planters, as well as provide them with opportunities to engage in conversations and form relationships with people in their communities. With help from Christian Aid Mission, YKI has helped start small businesses including laundry and sewing, frozen treat, soccer centers, cafés, and chicken farming. These services have created inroads to resistant communities in Bali, where Christians are not welcome in many of the staunchly Hindu villages. The island of Bali is an enclave for Hindus, who comprise 87 percent of the population. Hinduism is one of six recognized religions in Indonesia. Though Hinduism is practiced by only 1.7 percent of the total population, that amounts to more than 4 million people. If a Balinese villager becomes a believer, he or she is sometimes forced to leave their home and is considered accursed by their family members. One way they can receive acceptance is by providing a service or trade that the community values. YKI provides believers with ministry and vocational training, along with the funds to start small businesses in their communities. After five years, the workers are expected to have planted a healthy church and be self-supporting. YKI also distributes Bibles and Christian literature, and shelters 20 children at its orphanage. 12 Need: Microenterprise Projects for Church Planters In economically depressed areas that are closed to radio program. Another church planter sells bottles of Christianity, it is very important that a church planter gasoline. One church planter started a bakery in his offer value to their community. Otherwise, villagers home. Christian Aid Mission provided the funds for an typically reject them. oven and initial supplies. One way to keep a new believer in a village so he can Several church planters are selling frozen treats in their plant a church is to provide them with vocational training communities. Not only are they supporting their families, and help them start a small business. YKI assesses the they have led many people to Christ, and were even able church planter to discover what gifts and skills they have, to build a spacious church building. and then helps them to determine which business would be best to help them to reach their community. The goal of YKI is to plant 500 churches among the 96 unreached people groups in Indonesia. YKI currently has For instance, YKI provided one church planter with 37 church planters and 20 others who need support. a chain saw that he could rent out at an inexpensive rate. Another church planter raised chickens to sell The ministry is requesting funds to equip these 20 eggs. Another church planter had a restaurant on the church planters with small businesses to support their beach, and he also taught surfing and had a Christian families and reach their communities for Christ.

13 Project Description: Training for 20 Church Planters

YKI would like to provide 20 church planters with three months of discipleship and ministry training, followed by another three months of vocational training in a trade that is of interest to them. These 20 will return to their home villages with funds or equipment/supplies from the ministry to set up their own small businesses. Though not in the scope of this funding request, YKI will also provide them with living expenses of $200 per month for the first six months to set up their businesses and begin receiving incomes. After five years, the workers are expected to have planted healthy churches and be self-supporting.

People Groups Affected YKI is currently reaching the following people groups: • Kodi • Bali Petang • Midel Sulawesi • Buol With this project, they intend to reach: • Bali Nusa • Bali Petang • Seraya • Dampelasa

Expected Impact Based on previous results, YKI expects that, by equipping 20 church planters to start small businesses, at least 20 new churches will be planted among unreached people groups in the next five years. According to the ministry leader: “The microbusiness is a very good strategy to spread the gospel among the community. For example, our ministry bought 10 cows for 10 families in a village. Ten husbands/fathers came together for a meeting every month to talk, encourage each other, and discuss life and how to be good fathers and spouses. Sometimes, we would teach them how to be good fathers, applying Kingdom values. When they have a differently oriented view of life, based on Kingdom values, they are content with their lives as farmers, gardeners, etc. Their communities begin to know why the 10 people look different. Many of them wanted to start another group. So we created a new group. Now, there are two cow groups in the community. Thank the Lord, He can transform communities.”

Budget

Item Description Cost per Unit Number Needed Total Training and Start-up Costs for Church-planters $700 20 $14,000 Grant Management $1,400 Total $15,400

14 Project 4 EVANGELIZING THE SUNDA PEOPLE OF WEST JAVA

Ministry: Gospel in Every Language

Gospel in Every Language (GEL) travels to unreached tribal areas and remote villages to bring the gospel to primarily oral cultures. They work with local translators to record the gospel and several Bible stories in each village’s own language and dialect. Very quickly, as the gospel is presented to the people in their own language, villagers receive Christ and are discipled through recorded Bible teachings. GEL has completed gospel recordings in the following languages: Rampi, Da’a, Bahsa Kulawi Umma, Seko, Panasuan / Kalumpaang, Pendau, Napu, Mori Language Central, Mori Language Top, Dampelas, Buol, Kaili IJA, Kaili Inde, Seko Padang, Banggai, Kalili Rai

In Papua: Walak, Wano, Sentani*, Ketengban Bime, Powla/Molof In Northen Borneo: Murut, Agabak, Tidung, Blusu, Maklung

*The Sentani tribe, with settlements around Lake Sentani, is the largest tribe found in Jayapura, the capital and largest city in the northeast province of Papua. 15 Need: Evangelizing the Sunda People of West Java

More than 58 percent of Indonesia’s population lives on the island of Java, the world’s most populous island. GEL would like to direct resources to evangelize this prime area for unreached people groups, specifically the Sunda people who live in West Java. This people group of 34 million is primarily Muslim, but are highly influenced by animism and traditional tribal beliefs. The Sunda people are one of the largest unevangelized groups in the world, with only 0.08 percent of the population professing Christianity. Though their interest in the gospel is growing, Islamic missionaries are rapidly working to convert the Sunda and radicalize those who are nominal Muslims. To evangelize the Sunda people, GEL would like to send three workers to record the gospel in the Sunda language, and then distribute the gospel recordings to the Sunda people. To accomplish this task, GEL requests three motorcycles for the recordists for efficient, effective work.

People Groups Affected The Sunda people of West Java

Project Description: Three Motorcycles for Gospel Recordists

As soon as funding is secured, GEL will purchase three motorcycles, which they have already assigned to three gospel recordists who will be sent to West Java. There, they will work with local translators to record the gospel in the local Sunda language. The motorcycles will enable the missionaries to quickly and efficiently disseminate gospel recordings to key people throughout Sunda villages, and to follow up with those who have questions or want to be discipled in the Word of God.

Expected Impact The gospel recorded in the Sunda language, which is the first step in establishing a witness for Christ among the Sunda people and disipling them into maturity.

Budget

Item Description Cost per Unit Number Needed Total Motorcycles for Gospel Recordists $3,000 2 $6,000 Transportation for missionaries $2,000 1 $2,000 Grant Management $800 Total $8,800

16 Project 5 MICROENTERPRISE PROJECTS FOR NATIVE PASTORS

Ministry: Kezia Ministries

Kezia Ministries (KEZ) provides Bible study materials for the churches and Christians of Indonesia. Many Indonesian Christians have a limited understanding of the Bible, and churches have limited materials to use for teaching and discipleship. KEZ also helps pastors with their financial needs through money management training and microenterprise projects. The following are examples of microenterprise projects that KEZ has helped pastors to start: Mushroom farming, Bird farming, Pig farming, Rabbit farming, Catfish farming, Chicken farming, Dog breeding Growing corn, cassava, and other crops, Printing, Laundry service, Motorbike repair stores, General stores, Textile businesses, Sewing, Restaurants, Banana chip businesses, Ice cream businesses.

17 Need: Microenterprise Projects for Native Pastors Many pastors of village churches live without financial of their communities and to develop relationships. support from their congregations. The typical pastor Indonesian churches are small, and the Christians are spends his time going to ministry conferences sponsored very poor. As the pastors are trained in sound financial by foreigners in hopes that someone there will offer him management and they develop their small businesses, money for a project or to help him feed his family for they can also help their people to develop in these areas. another week until the next ministry conference. The churches develop evangelism and discipleship programs as their people begin to live productive lives. Quite often the pastor is given a meal, a free book, and KEZ reports that when church members are leading possibly a little money at the conference. This reduces productive, useful lives, they begin using KEZ’s Bible pastors to beggars. In their communities, pastors are study and discipleship materials. viewed as individuals who live very poorly and do nothing but go to conferences. This results in a negative impact to To develop the Church in Indonesia, KEZ requests the work of the ministry because pastors do not have the resources for monthly training workshops to teach time or resources to focus on spreading the gospel. pastors “Business as Mission” principles and equip them to start small businesses. KEZ helps pastors start microenterprise projects so that they can become self-sustaining. The small businesses that KEZ helps pastors create enable them to be a part

Project Description: Financial and Business Training for Native Pastors

KEZ not only mentors pastors as business owners so they can be self-sustaining, but also provides needed discipleship training for the pastors so that they can be fully equipped for the work of the ministry in every way. The ministry uses the following training and development process: 1. Invite pastors who want to start a small business to attend the training. 2. After the pastors complete basic level training, they create a business proposal. 3. Mentors interview them about the feasibility of their proposal. 4. Mentors decide if their proposal is feasible, and either accept or reject it. 5. If the proposal is accepted, the pastor is given a soft loan*. 6. Pastors start their business. 7. Mentors provide direction to help the business grow. 8. Pastors work on growing their businesses. 9. Mentors evaluate the business to see if it is growing. If so, they invite the pastors to attend the intermediate level training. 10. Pastors attend intermediate level training. 11. Pastors create business-extension proposals. 12. Mentors interview them about the feasibility of their business-extension proposals and either accept or reject their proposals. 13. If their proposal is accepted, they are offered a business-extension soft loan. 14. Mentors monitor progress and offer direction/advice. 15. Mentors evaluate to see if the business is accelerating. If so, pastors are invited to attend the advanced level training. 16. Students complete advanced level training. 17. Mentors continue to monitor their progress.

18 *Start-up business loans range from $100 to $500. *Business-extension loans range from $200 to $1,000. Note: Borrowers are expected to repay their loans within 21 months with a three-month grace period, after which a 1 percent interest rate applies.

19 People Groups Affected KEZ has mainly worked among the Javenese people. Since it began working in Central Java in 1998, KEZ has planted 30 churches comprised of 350 members. Since it began working in Yogyakarta in 2014, KEZ has planted two churches with a total of 25 members. Through the expansion of their discipleship and microenterprise program, KEZ hopes to extend their outreach to the following people groups*: KA tribe in Sumatera Island BT tribe in Jakarta, Java Island MP tribe in West Kalimantan K tribe in Sumatera Island S tribe in West Java MS in West Kalimantan LS in Sumatera Island BY tribe in Central Java MK in West Kalimantan B tribe in West Java T tribe in East Java

Expected Impact Based on results from previous years, the anticipated impact is creating jobs for church members, as well as people in the community who do not know Jesus yet. Those who have already participated in this program have higher incomes. With income from their businesses, pastors have the ability to focus on evangelism; they also evangelize through relationships they form with their customers. This microenterprise program works to increase the local economy by increasing the number of local businesses in an area and products to purchase, as well as providing local jobs and income. Pastor S* was the first person to receive a soft loan from KEZ. He was facing a financial problem and could not pay for his son’s education. After receiving the loan, he started a mushroom log business. Indonesians eat mushrooms as a substitute for more expensive meat, which most cannot afford. After producing 3,000 mushroom logs and earning a profit, Pastor S expanded his business. His son has joined his business, and they have orders from many people in their community, including Muslims. In 2015, 38 pastors and church members participated in KEZ’s training and development program. They are using their microenterprises as ministry vehicles to spread the good news of Jesus Christ while sustaining their families and their ministries. In 2016, KEZ provided 45 first-time soft loans and 25 business-expansion loans (including 15 third-time business expansion loans for thriving businesses). There are now 60 new business owners. KEZ has expanded its program to B*, K*, and C* in Central Java; and to MT* and MD* in East Java. The ministry leader has connected with underground Christians and wants to help them through small businesses.

Budget

Item Description Cost per Month Number of Months Total Financial & Business Training for Pastors $1,500 12 $18,000 Grant Management $1,800 Total $19,800

20 *Initials used to protect the security of the ministry PHILIPPINES

A vast archipelago with 22,549 miles of coastline, the Philippines is comprised of more than 7,000 islands bordered by the Philippine Sea, South China Sea, Celebes Sea, and Taiwan— directly north of the country. Approximately 700 of the islands are inhabited, with 11 containing the vast majority of the population. Luzon in the north and Mindanao in the south are the two largest islands. Prone to devastating typhoons, the Philippine islands are covered in mountains and tropical rainforests. Around 132 people groups live in the more remote mountainous areas. Philippine culture is a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, including Spanish surnames, towns, and streets; and the widespread use of the English language. An officially secular state, the Philippines has a democratic government with freedom of religion. The Catholic Church is highly influential, with more than 82 percent of the population identifying as Catholic. A large number of Catholics, however, practice a syncretistic blend of Catholicism, animism, and witchcraft. Protestants comprise less than 2 percent of the population but that number is quickly increasing— growing significantly faster than the national growth rates. However, with this growth comes a huge need for trained church leaders. Thousands of rural congregations languish without adequate leadership, falling into unbiblical teaching and moral failure. Thousands of pastors struggle to survive on the meager offerings of their congregations, and many view formal training as an unaffordable luxury. Meanwhile, a growing Muslim population in the southern island of Mindanao continues to breed radicalism. Approximately 11 percent of the population is Muslim—mostly Sunni. Muslims succeeded in obtaining an independent Islamic state in Mindanao, where Christians have long faced hostilities from Islamic militants and Muslim family members. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), comprised of five provinces in Mindanao, is free from the national government. ARMM is ruled under sharia law that separatist terrorists such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have long sought, with drastic reduction of rights for non- Muslims, regarded as second-class citizens. Mindanao’s population is 20 percent Muslim, with most centered in the ARMM provinces, where Islamic missionaries arrived nearly 200 years before Spanish Catholic colonization began in 1565. The U.S. State Department has warned against travel to Mindanao since January 2009. Despite the danger, a Christian Aid Mission-assisted ministry has established a witness for Christ among 11 of the 13 Muslim-majority people groups in Mindanao, and sent workers to the remaining two groups.

21 Project 6 TR AINING FOR CHURCH PLANTERS IN MINDANAO

Ministry: Reaching Muslim Tribes for Immanuel

For years, armed insurgent groups have fought for an autonomous Muslim state in the southern islands of the Philippines. An Al-Qaeda training camp is even reported to exist there. It is one of the most difficult mission fields in the world, but it is where native gospel workers with Reaching Muslim Tribes for Immanuel (RMT) are called. Their purpose is to plant churches among the island’s 13 Muslim-majority tribes. RMT missionaries gain the trust and respect of Muslim communities by meeting physical needs, and this demonstration of Christian love opens hearts to the gospel.

22 Need: Training for Church Planters in Mindanao Church planters working among unreached people The ministry leader reports: “With the tough situation groups in Muslim-majority, hostile areas require special before us, we endeavor to sharpen our strategy and training. These church planters must have a secure and approaches. We have to strengthen all the more our discreet location where they will not be discovered while member care, oversight, and coaching of our field receiving this training. In addition to ministry training, teams. Our workers face various trials on the field, such these church planters also receive security and defense as persecution, sickness, and personal crises. We are training. saddened that three of our workers could no longer continue the journey with us.” RMT reports that, in 2016 alone, the ministry led 107 people from among Mindanao’s 11 Muslim-majority RMT wishes to expand its current training program, which people groups to Christ. Nine out of the 18 workers who is held in inadequate, rented spaces in various dangerous applied to work with RMT were qualified for deployment, locations. To prepare its workers for the difficult mission so RMT now has workers engaged in reaching all of the 13 field of reaching Muslim people groups in Mindanao, Muslim-majority tribes in Mindanao. the ministry needs a private, secure facility in which to properly train and disciple its missionaries.

Project Description: Construction of Missionary Training Center RMT has acquired a farm lot, which it has legally registered in the name of the ministry. The ministry now needs to obtain funding to construct their “Holistic Development Facility and Economic Development Center,” which will include dormitories. The ministry currently trains its workers in rented facilities in different locations. These facilities are not adequate to comfortably accommodate the workers who come for training. In addition, renting these facilities is costly and security is a concern, as most of the facilities are located in public places and used by others. RMT has committed to continuing leadership development. The ministry provides regular training for its current workers, and preparation training for new workers. It also offers continuing member care and crisis intervention for its workers.

23 People Groups Affected

All 13 of the Muslim-majority people groups on the island of Mindanao will be affected by the presence of properly trained and prepared native missionaries. The following is a list of the 11 Muslim-majority people groups among which RMT has established a witness for Christ: 1. Iraw: 12 house churches, 79 believers, six workers 2. Japa: 12 house churches, 84 believers, five workers 3. Kabig: 15 house churches, 34 believers, two workers 4. Kalid: 8 house churches, 21 believers, two workers 5. Mobi: one house church, 10 believers, three workers 6. Sabang: 51 house churches, 155 believers, four workers 7. Sapa: nine house churches, 98 believers, four workers 8. Sasa: two house churches, 25 believers, three workers 9. Sasi: 33 house churches, 169 believers, two workers 10. Tagus: nine house churches, 40 believers, three workers 11. Yan: seven house churches, 10 believers, three workers

The following are the remaining two people groups, among which RMT established a missionary presence in 2016: 1. Magan: two workers 2. Maw: two workers

Expected Impact As of 2016, RMT is already reaching 13 people groups, and plans to expand its outreach to neighboring provinces. The construction of a safe, secure missionary training center is vital to this endeavor because it will produce highly effective gospel workers, prepared for difficult mission fields. Within the span of two years, from 2014 to 2016, RMT sent 14 trained missionaries to four unreached, Muslim people groups in Mindanao. Within that time period, the missionaries planted a combined total of 22 churches comprised of 129 new believers. This was a result of sending out thoroughly trained and prepared gospel workers. Thus far, RMT has only been able to train small batches of missionaries in various rented facilities. With a spacious, central training facility that includes dormitories to allow missionaries to live on site, the ministry will be able to more than double the number of missionaries it trains per year. Based on previous results, this could potentially result in hundreds of new believers per year.

Budget

Item Description Cost per Unit Number Needed Total Training Center & Regional Office $24,445 1 $24,445 Dormitories $8,889 6 $53,334 Grant Management $7,777 Total $85,556 24 MYANMAR

One of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, Myanmar has been embroiled in ethnic conflict for most of the years following its independence from Britain in 1948. It claims the unfortunate “honor” of having one of the world’s longest-running ongoing civil wars. Myanmar’s military dictatorship, which took power in 1962, was officially dissolved in 2010, but still wields enormous power. One of the world’s most abusive regimes, the military government continues to systematically rape, torture, and attack the country’s Kachin, Rohingya, Shan, Lahu, Chin, Mon, Wa, and Karen minority groups. Christian-majority ethnic groups have been particularly targeted for abuse. The government destroyed more than 3,000 Christian villages within a 10-year span, and continues to harass believers. But despite the government’s efforts to destroy Christianity, which it calls the “C-virus,” it continues to grow. After foreign missionaries were expelled from Myanmar in 1966, native believers began evangelizing their own people. Today, Myanmar is home to many flourishing house churches among ethnic minority groups. The Burmese majority comprises 68 percent of Myanmar’s population of 51 million people. The rest of the population is comprised of 135 ethnic groups. Nearly 88 percent of the population identifies as Buddhist. Christians make up 7 percent of the population, and Muslims account for over 4 percent. The Burmese majority is very resistant to the gospel, as Buddhism is enmeshed in their cultural identity. Theravada Buddhism is the most prevalent form of Buddhism in Myanmar, with many practicing a form of Buddhism that incorporates astrology and various occult beliefs and practices. Bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, Thailand, the Bay of Bengal, and the Andaman Sea, the country of Myanmar contains central lowlands surrounded by rocky highlands. One of the world’s most corrupt countries, Myanmar is the second largest producer of opium, accounting for 25 percent of the world’s opium. Opium production is used primarily for manufacturing heroin. The opium industry has been illegally operated by the Burmese military since the colonial period. Myanmar is also the world’s largest producer of methamphetamines, which have replaced opium as the drug of choice. Intravenous drug use is widespread, and has led to Myanmar’s high rate of HIV/AIDS. In 2016, the Myanmar Ministry of Health reported that there are an estimated 83,000 injecting drug users in the country. Alcoholism is also rampant.

25 Project 7 HOPE AND RECOVERY FOR MYANMAR’S DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTS

Ministry: Myanmar Free Mission

Together with other native Burmese believers, Ronald Lalthanliana started Myanmar Free Mission (MFM) in 1955 to share the gospel and plant churches among unreached ethnic groups. In 1957, after this group sent the first missionary ever to a primitive tribe, several tribal members committed their lives to Christ. For the next 10 years, the ministry grew as it reached other tribes, and planted churches among them. Enemies of the gospel accused Lalthanliana of being a rebel leader, and he was thrown into prison for four years. There he led 40 prisoners and four guards to Christ. He also wrote 20 books, hundreds of sermons, and 17 hymns. Today, more than 200 missionaries work with MFM throughout Myanmar. They have planted 350 churches with a combined membership of over 20,000. After foreign missionaries were banned from Myanmar in 1966, native missionaries with MFM continued their effective gospel work. They win approximately 6,000 people to Jesus Christ each year. In 2012, Lal (George) Nun Tluanga was elected president of MFM. Tluanga attended Bible college in 1996 and pastored a church for three years before becoming MFM’s director of missions in 2001. During this time, he traveled extensively throughout Myanmar, becoming acutely aware of the spiritual condition of his fellow countrymen. MFM runs two addiction recovery centers, a Bible school, and a children’s home.

26 Need: Hope and Recovery for Myanmar’s Addicts Alcoholism, heroin, cocaine and other drugs are rampant MFM shares the gospel with addicts at their centers. in Myanmar. Addiction devastates the individual, family, Those who accept Christ as Savior are taught how to pray and community; and it leads to crime and financial and grow in their Christian walks with the Lord through a hardship. step-by-step process. MFM opened an addiction center in Kalaymyo. However, Former addicts are offered vocational-training skills the large number of people arriving at the center with such as carpentry, so they can support themselves and addictions to alcohol, heroin, and cocaine compelled the integrate back into society. ministry to open another center in October 2016. Both addiction centers are on rented properties. The At one center, 30 people out of 100 treated have ministry would like to consolidate the two recovery recovered from addiction. At the other, a residential centers into one large one that would serve 200 to 500 facility, 20 of the 40 people have recovered. addicts, with capacity to accommodate their children as well. Many addicts have asked if their children can live State addiction programs treat drug addicts harshly. with them at the recovery center, and the director has According to the ministry leader, addicts are confined had to decline for lack of space. and even beaten with chains. MFM requests help to construct a new facility that At MFM’s recovery centers, alcoholics stay for at least six would include a worship center and living quarters for months to learn God’s Word. Those with addictions to the addicts. This project not only meets a human and other substances stay for at least a year. community need, but is also a spiritual bridge for addicts and their families to see and experience the power of the gospel to transform lives.

Project Description: Jehovah Jireh Center Due to the inadequacy of its two current centers to accommodate the number of addicts seeking help, MFM would like to purchase a 10-acre plot of land on which to build a permanent center, Jehovah Jireh Center, to take care of 200 to 500 recovering addicts. The cost of 10 acres is currently $90,000. Next year the price will be raised. The ministry leader would like to start with two buildings for use as dormitories and meeting rooms, and eventually expand this to ten buildings. The program, which is highly structured and discipleship-focused, begins with ministry workers praying and caring for addicts as they go through withdrawal. As they hear the gospel, most receive the Lord Jesus. The majority of addicts spend six months in the program, though some stay for up to one year. Toward the end of the program, individuals are given both spiritual gifts training as well as practical work skills so they may support themselves and their families.

Project Implementation After funding is obtained, MFM plans to purchase a 10-acre plot of land and construct two buildings in 2017. This will allow them to consolidate their program into one location with adequate facilities to care for the growing number of addicts coming to them for help.

27 People Groups Affected The following is a list of people groups that MFM is currently working among: 1. Dai: Nine churches, 350 believers, eight workers 2. Matu: Five churches, 150 believers, two workers 3. Myoe: 58 churches, 1,162 believers, 14 workers 4. Naga: Six churches, 250 believers, five workers 5. Shan: Four churches, 60 believers, three workers 6. Zotung: Six churches, 463 believers, three workers 7. Lay Du: 16 churches, 750 believers, eight workers 8. Ka Yin: One churches, 20 believers, one worker 9. Burmese: Six churches, 90 believers, two workers 10. Khumi: 58 churches, 1,219 believers, 19 workers In the future, MFM hopes to focus more of its attention on the country’s Burmese majority, which is a stronghold of Buddhism. Only 0.1 percent of the population is Christian. Since it began working among the Burmese majority in 2008, MFM has planted six house churches with 90 believers. Its holistic recovery program for addicts is an inroad into this resistant community.

Expected Impact The new Jehovah Jireh Center would enable MFM to care for between 200 and 500 recovering addicts at one time. Not only does this center create inroads for the gospel into the Buddhist Burmese majority, it also demonstrates the power of Christ to liberate people from the strongholds of sin and self-destruction. This center will be a powerful testimony for the gospel. Many former addicts who have completed MFM’s gospel-centered recovery program wish to train as missionaries and church planters. Others return to their families as new people, equipped with income-generating skills to properly provide for them. Some are volunteering to help other addicts through the program. Two former addicts are currently attending MFM’s Bible school. As the gospel takes root in communities, the rate of addiction decreases, along with the number of broken families. Men become productive workers. Others see the change and are drawn to the Lord Jesus.

Budget

Item Description Cost per Unit Number Needed Total Land $90,000 1 $90,000 Buildings* $30,000 2 $60,000 Food per month $1,200 12 $14,400 Monthly Salaries $100 4 $4,800 Clothing per month $400 1 $400 Training $5,000 $5,000 Medicine $1,000 1 $1,000 Generator $600 1 $600 Grant Management $17,620 Total $193,820

*The ministry would like a total of 10 buildings, but only wants to build two in 2017. This leaves eight additional dormitories at $30,000 each 28 (for a total of $240,000) after 2017. SUPPORT A NATIVE MISSIONARY Take Part in Building God’s Kingdom throughout the World

The Need Right now, an army of people are quietly building God’s Kingdom throughout the earth. At great personal sacrifice, they labor each day to establish a witness for Christ in their own nations. They trudge through mosquito-infested jungles or hike for days on narrow, mountain paths to reach people in remote villages who have never heard the name of Jesus. They spend hours paddling canoes to far-away island and river communities. They work in areas closed to foreign missionaries, at risk of death to themselves and their families. They willingly endure persecution and rejection from their families—all for the sake of their Savior. Their work cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed—by one, main obstacle: poverty. Native missionaries work in the most destitute countries on earth, where the majority of the world’s remaining unreached people groups live. These servants of God have heard the call of the Lord on their lives, but they are burdened with the struggle of how to serve God and feed their families at the same time. The Opportunity You can help them. You can impact the world for Christ by supporting a native missionary in an undeveloped country for $60 a month. In addition to sharing the gospel, native missionaries establish schools and literacy centers in destitute villages, care for abandoned or orphaned children, shelter widows and the elderly, provide medical care and open clinics, drill wells, and open feeding centers. When natural disasters strike, they are the first responders, taking every opportunity to share Jesus’ love. They storm the gates of hell, proclaiming the name of Christ and planting churches in lands under the bondage of false religions or oppressive, atheistic governments. Support an Entire Ministry Christian Aid Mission assists 500 indigenous ministries in over 100 countries throughout the world. The number of native missionaries who work with these ministries ranges from an average of 20 to more than 100. To support an entire ministry by providing monthly assistance for all of the missionaries under its supervision, please contact Christian Aid Mission to receive information about an indigenous ministry that fits your interest and budget. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV

About Christian Aid Mission Founded in 1953, Christian Aid Mission seeks to establish a witness for Christ in every nation by assisting highly effective indigenous ministries in lands of poverty, where Christians are a persecuted minority, and where foreign missionaries are not allowed.

P.O. Box 9037 | Charlottesville, VA 22906 | www.christianaid.org | Phone: (434) 977-5650

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